What is WM's DCF valuation?

Waste Management Inc (WM) DCF Valuation Analysis

Executive Summary

As of April 2, 2026, Waste Management Inc has a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) derived fair value of $321.24 per share. With the current market price at $231.00, this represents a potential upside of 39.1%.

Key Metrics Value
DCF Fair Value (5-year) $236.55
DCF Fair Value (10-year) $321.24
Potential Upside (5-year) 2.4%
Potential Upside (10-year) 39.1%
Discount Rate (WACC) 5.9% - 7.8%

Financial Performance & Projections

Revenue Trends

Revenue is projected to grow from $25204 million in 12-2025 to $51653 million by 12-2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.4%.

Fiscal Year Revenue (USD millions) Growth
12-2025 25204 14%
12-2026 26438 5%
12-2027 28945 9%
12-2028 30335 5%
12-2029 33544 11%
12-2030 36104 8%
12-2031 39487 9%
12-2032 43379 10%
12-2033 45396 5%
12-2034 47236 4%
12-2035 51653 9%

Profitability Projections

Net profit margin is expected to improve from 11% in 12-2025 to 15% by 12-2035, driven by operational efficiency and economies of scale.

Fiscal Year Net Profit (USD millions) Profit Margin
12-2025 2709 11%
12-2026 3023 11%
12-2027 3572 12%
12-2028 4012 13%
12-2029 4727 14%
12-2030 5394 15%
12-2031 5900 15%
12-2032 6481 15%
12-2033 6783 15%
12-2034 7058 15%
12-2035 7718 15%

DCF Model Components

1. Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

with a 5-year average of $2769 million. Projected CapEx is expected to maintain at approximately 13% of revenue.

2. Depreciation & Amortization

Depreciation is based on an average useful life of 5 years for capital assets.

Fiscal Year D&A (USD millions)
12-2026 3079
12-2027 3319
12-2028 3533
12-2029 3764
12-2030 4063
12-2031 4404

3. Working Capital Requirements

Net working capital is expected to increase gradually, with projected changes affecting free cash flow.

Components Average Days
Days Receivables 50
Days Inventory 5
Days Payables 50

4. Free Cash Flow Projections

Fiscal Year EBITDA Tax CapEx Change in NWC FCF
2026 7934 885 3457 (46) 3638
2027 8972 1046 3784 288 3854
2028 9805 1175 3966 145 4519
2029 11075 1384 4386 242 5064
2030 12329 1579 4720 256 5773

DCF Valuation Parameters

Key Assumptions

  • Discount Rate (WACC): WACC / Discount Rate (selected: 5.9% - 7.8%)
  • Long-Term Growth Rate: Long-term Growth Rate (selected: 2.0% - 4.0%)
  • Terminal EV/EBITDA Multiple: 14.8x (based on peer average)

Valuation Summary

Valuation Method Fair Price (USD) Potential Upside
5-Year DCF (Growth) 236.55 2.4%
10-Year DCF (Growth) 321.24 39.1%
5-Year DCF (EBITDA) 282.12 22.1%
10-Year DCF (EBITDA) 359.71 55.7%

Enterprise Value Breakdown

  • 5-Year Model: $118,117M
  • 10-Year Model: $152,275M

Investment Conclusion

Is Waste Management Inc (WM) a buy or a sell? Waste Management Inc is definitely a buy. Based on our DCF analysis, Waste Management Inc (WM) appears to be significantly undervalued with upside potential of 39.1%. The company's strong projected growth in revenue and profitability, coupled with consistent capital expenditure, supports our positive outlook on its intrinsic value.

Key investment drivers include:

  • Expanding profit margins (from 11% to 15%)
  • Steady revenue growth (7.4% CAGR)
  • Strong free cash flow generation

Investors should consider a strong buy at the current market price of $231.00.